Acura NSX Concept revealed, will use a V6 hybrid powerplant

Acura has unveiled its NSX Concept car at the International Auto Show in Detroit, revealing it to be a considerable stylistic departure from its famous predecessor, and that it’ll use a V6 hybrid powerplant.

Like the original, the NSX Concept uses a mid-mounted, direct-injection V6 VTEC engine, joined by one of Acura’s new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD units. As the name suggests, the new car will have all-wheel drive, achieved here using the electric motors and something called a “bilateral torque adjustable control system.”

A reporter for Wired spotted a diagram which explained this, suggesting the VTEC would power the rear wheels, while two electric motors would deal with the fronts when needed. We’ll have to wait for performance figures though, as none were provided in the press release.

Acura – or more accurately, Honda – always viewed the NSX as a true lightweight “driver’s” car, and according to Honda’s CEO Takanobu Ito, its successor has been developed in the same way. He promises excellent handling, a favorable power-to-weight ratio and high performance, while also “responding positively to environmental responsibilities.”

In terms of design, there’s little to link it to the 90s version, and in fact it appears to be inspired by the Audi R8.

Set to be manufactured in Ohio, the new NSX Concept is expected to go on sale sometime in the next three years.